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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. With the cost of living in Laguna Woods, you're likely eager to find ways to save on your energy bills.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Laguna Woods.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on hvac companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system needs expert attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and determine whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,035-$5,187 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,123-$7,596 | |
Heat Pump | $3,193-$32,531 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $267-$445 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $67-$178 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,336-$4,007 | |
Thermostat Repair | $89-$223 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $427-$1,069 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
HVAC contractors in California must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB considers HVAC contractors to be specialty contractors. All contractors are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can assist your decision. Choose a provider with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new model, features, brand, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before signing paperwork, be sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written quotes before beginning HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's smart to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any leaks around your windows and doors to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Laguna Woods, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Laguna Woods, you'll likely want something on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: